Analysis of Composite Beam by Finite Element Method

Abstract

An analysis of the Composite beam placing emphasis on shear deformation effects is done by
using beam theories and software ANSYS workbench. Results using two dimensional plate
theories are presented to calculate stresses in the beams. Two dimensional plate theories are
Classical laminated plate theory, first order Shear deformation theory, third order Shear
deformation theory and Euler-Bernoulli theory. Unit axial load over the junction of two
layers is placed and analyzed. For manual analysis transverse shear stresses are obtained
directly from the use of constitutive relations with good accuracy. Principle of virtual work is
used for obtaining boundary conditions and governing differential equations. A hollow
circular composite beam is analyzed for two different aspect ratios. The concept that is used
in this paper is that Graphite epoxy layer or laminate is sandwiched between two Steel layers
or laminates, and all the properties of both the materials are taken into consideration
wherever applicable.